title: The management of esophageal achalasia: from diagnosis to surgical treatment.
abstract: The goal of this review is to illustrate our approach to patients with achalasia in terms of preoperative evaluation and surgical technique. Indications, patient selection and management are herein discussed. Specifically, we illustrate the pathogenetic theories and diagnostic algorithm with current up-to-date techniques to diagnose achalasia and its manometric variants. Finally, we focus on the therapeutic approaches available today: medical and surgical. A special emphasis is given on the surgical treatment of achalasia and we provide the reader with a detailed description of our pre and postoperative management.
authors.affiliation: Swallowing Center, Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Campus, 2160 South First Avenue-Room 3226, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dobrowolsky
authors.forename: P Marco
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Fisichella
mesh_terms: D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008365:Manometry; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins